BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Off to its best start in program history, the Gardner-Webb (9-1-1, 3-0) men's soccer team picked up three points after dismissing visiting Longwood (2-6-2, 0-3) by the final of 2-nil on Friday evening at Greene Harbison Stadium.
Senior goalie Alan Horrocks came up with four key saves while the Runnin' Bulldogs received goals from sophomore Samson Kpardeh and senior Jaylen Orr, completing their 8th clean sheet of the season.
Gardner-Webb held a 17-6 advantage on shots, including 8-4 with shots on goal. The Runnin' Bulldogs also doubled-up Longwood in corner kicks, 4-2. There were a total of 42 fouls and 10 cards given in the game.
After more than 19 minutes of no real scoring opportunities, Longwood looked poised to take the early lead, but Horrocks tallied one of his four stops after sprawling out across the box to deflect the strike off the boot of Benjamin Ferrero.
Horrocks picked up another crucial save at the 32:38 mark of the opening half following a free kick by the Lancers. Those missed opportunities proved costly as Gardner-Webb came back in the 42nd minute to take the 1-0 lead after a Kpardeh score. Freshman Javan Ocheing earned the assist on the go-ahead goal.
Longwood had its best chance to even the match in the 52nd minute after a foul in the box awarded the Lancers a penalty kick. However, Jesus Macaya tried to go bottom right but missed wide, leaving Longwood scoreless.
The Dawgs continued to put the pressure on, collecting several shots on goal before junior Will Cain found a streaking Orr for the all-important insurance goal. Defense was solid down the stretch as Gardner-Webb walked away with the conference win.
The Runnin' Bulldogs will step out of conference for their next match, traveling to Spartanburg, S.C. to face off with the Terriers of Wofford. Game time is set for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7.
